First, I want to clarify that a HER2 diagnosis is not a doom and gloom situation. There are several practical and realistic things that you can start doing TODAY to heal the cancer. Hope is within reach because you are in control of your healing journey. Now, let’s get into the details and exact tactics, not just to survive but to THRIVE. 

What is HER2 Positive Breast Cancer?

HER2 (ErbB2, HER2/neu, HER2+, or HER2 Overexpression) stands for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2. It is a protein, often found on the outside of breast cells, that can promote the growth of cancer cells. In a healthy woman’s body, HER2 stimulates normal cell growth and development and is important for cell survival. 

However, for some women who have breast cancer, genes associated with an excessive expression of HER2 proteins are altered, releasing high levels of HER2 protein. This can result in cancer cells dividing and rapidly multiplying. There are several effective treatments that you can discuss with your medical team, and below are supplements that amy directly combat HER2 growth.

Epigenetics and HER2 Breast Cancer

While HER2 is considered an aggressive form of cancer, epigenetics prove that you do have agency over your outcome. Epigenetics is the study of how your world and how you interact with it can influence how your body reads a DNA sequence. Simply put, your genes aren’t the only thing determining your health destiny. How you sleep, eat, manage stress, exercise, and enjoy life, all play a massive role in preventing and healing diseases, especially breast cancer. For a deep dive into the study of epigenetics, please read this blog post.

The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered in this groundbreaking study that “Only 5–10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects.” That means 95% of cancer cases are developed by environmental and lifestyle factors YOU control. Like Newton’s law of cause and effect, the negative things you do to your body, such as staying in toxic relationships or not getting enough vitamin D, can turn into cancer-promoting genes. On the flip side, the positive things you do, such as eating specific healing foods, supplementing with specific nutrients to support your immune system, and playing in the sunshine with friends, can turn ON cancer-protective genes.

Researched HER2+ Supplements 

The list of supplements below is strategically designed to boost your immune system, reduce growth, and make treatments even more effective. As always, discuss with your doctor any supplement you consider adding to ensure no contraindications and formulate the most opportune time to take them. Some doctors recommend separating supplements from medications for 24-48 hours. The dosages below are merely suggestions, and they do not reflect your unique journey.

Super E Plus

The compound “…delayed the development of mammary tumors, reducing the number and size of mammary tumor masses and those of lung metastases.” Learn more via this study.   Super E Plus, which is a clean and powerful formula, can be found in the Breast Cancer Conqueror store. Vitamin E supports healthy arteries, brain, eyes, hair growth, and boosts your immune system. It also protects cellular membranes, reduces inflammation, and prevents free radical damage. 

Consider 1 capsule 3 times per day. For a more aggressive approach, take 2 capsules 3 times per day.

Brocco Power 

Higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables (Brocco Power) is associated with a lower risk of more aggressive tumors, including ER-negative, HER2-positive, and basal-like tumors. Broccoli can also activate over 200 gene-related cellular defense mechanisms, inhibiting cancer cell growth and preventing cancer recurrence. One capsule of Brocco Power equals 500 grams of fresh broccoli or 100 grams of broccoli sprouts! You can auto-ship and save 25% by ordering directly from The Store.

I take 2 capsules per day as part of my maintenance program. If you are on an active healing journey, 4-6 capsules daily may be beneficial.

CBD

CBD can bind to the cancer cell and possibly downregulate HER2 gene expression, triggering cancer cell death. Please review this blog post to learn more about cannabis and breast cancer healing. 

Psoralen

This study found that “Psoralen has been known to kill cancer cells by causing DNA damage and having a direct anti-tumor effect on HER2 over-expressing breast cancer cells by blocking HER2 signaling.” Psoralen is found in parsley and celery, and juicing can be a great way to receive the benefits. Just make sure to test your blood sugar to ensure that you tolerate it well. Please learn more about blood sugar testing here.

Curcumin

Curcumin can potentially enhance the effectiveness of HER2 drugs since it encourages P53 gene expression. Additionally, curcumin may also reduce inflammation, kill breast cancer cells, and neutralize the side effects of scans (CAT, MRI, etc.), radiation, and chemo. Please learn more about the healing powers of curcumin via this blog post. 

Taking 3 capsules per day, or more, in between meals, may be beneficial for your healing journey.

Oleic Acid/Olive Oil

Oleic acid makes up to 55-80% of olive oil and can possibly enhance HER2 drugs and downregulate HER2. Be generous with it (at room temperature), and please read this blog to learn all about the ancient wisdom of olive oil. I only buy organic, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Olive From The Raw, and The California Olive Ranch provide quality options. The greener, the better for freshness and purity.

Beta Glucans

Beta-glucans are soluble fibers from the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and some plants. They can potentially enhance HER2 drug effectiveness. You can buy them from Betterway Health. These Beta glucans hold over 200 patents and have been clinically proven to be more effective than other Beta Glucans on the market. 

Consider 1 capsule for every 50 lbs of body weight per day.

Mistletoe

The best way to receive mistletoe during a healing journey is from IVs or subcutaneous injections. Please take a moment to learn about the marvelous benefits of mistletoe via this blog post.

Modified Citrus Pectin

Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) may reduce fatigue, detox heavy metals, slow metastasis, optimize oncology treatments, and activate natural killer (NK) and T-cytotoxic cells. Discover all of MCP’s benefits via this blog post. MCP is a must for prevention, maintenance, and support for a breast cancer healing journey. 

If you rather swallow a pill, I recommend PectaSol-C®’s capsules (6 capsules, 3 times daily). If drinking is better for you, their lime-infusion powder option (1 scoop, 3 times daily). Please remember to take this on an empty stomach and NOT with other supplements.

Detoxing and Fasting

Coffee Enemas

While HER2 traditional treatments can be necessary and life-saving, they can also bog your immune system down with toxins. Coffee enemas are an affordable, at-home way to detox effectively. They stimulate the liver detoxification process and increase glutathione production, which is your body’s natural method of detoxing. I spell out everything you need to know about doing a coffee enema via this blog post.

Fasting 

Countless studies have found fasting tremendously beneficial for boosting your immune system (read one study here) and decreasing negative side effects brought on by conventional treatments (read the latest study here). 

1. The ProLon® Fasting Mimicking Diet:  The Fasting Mimicking Diet, or FMD, was created by Dr. Valter Longo, a biogerontologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, diabetes and genetics. He is also the director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California. The FMD is a patented 5-day plant-based meal program that gives you the benefits of fasting without having to go completely without food. You can purchase it here and learn more via this blog post.
2.  Water Fast: 24 to 48 hours before a treatment, consider a water fast. Studies on women who fast before, during, and after chemotherapy treatments have demonstrated the clear benefits – fewer side effects and more cancer die-off.  If water fasting is too difficult for you, drink herbal teas or bone broth. 

“The Complete Guide to Fasting” by Jason Fung and The Fasting Solution podcast episode are great resources to help guide you through fasting.

Why Take an Integrative Approach To Breast Cancer?

Taking an integrative approach doesn’t just give you a treatment plan but rather a whole-self healing plan for life! Conventional cancer treatments focus on killing he visible cancer. Natural medicine combined with lifestyle changes heal your body so that the root cause of the cancer is addressed. 

Natural medicine and therapies can also make traditional therapies (such as chemo and radiation) even more effective and with fewer miserable side effects for optimal outcomes.  That’s why I have invited world-class medical and integrative experts and fellow Breast Cancer Conquerors to share their experiences, insights, and answer your questions. All of this is packaged up so you can easily digest it at your speed.

To guide you in taking an integrative approach, The Survive & Thrive: Conquering Breast Cancer with Conventional Treatments and Natural Medicine program’s recordings will help you curate an ACTION Plan of protocols for YOUR healing journey. 

Today is your day to thrive—and never fear cancer again!

 

Author: Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as  Dr. V, is a Doctor of Chiropractic & has 44 years of experience in the wellness industry. For personalized support, please partner with a trained Breast Cancer Conqueror Coach.